The lower oval at Bales Park offers a fantastic, spacious off-leash experience for any dog in the Chatswood area, but it comes with very specific, time-restricted hours. This guide has all the essential details for this unfenced park in the City of Willoughby, a perfect spot for a weekday run and a bushwalk.
Bales Park: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A beautiful, leafy sports park that offers a peaceful and spacious off-leash run during set weekday hours.
- 🐕 Best For: An after-work run for local dogs with reliable recall, or as a starting point for an on-leash bushwalk.
- Off-Leash Hours: Extremely strict. Off-leash is weekdays only, from 4pm to 9am the next day. No weekends or public holidays.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced. The large oval is open to the surrounding park.
- 🅿️ Parking: Excellent. A dedicated, free on-site car park is available with the best access off Sydney Street.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Conditional Off-Leash Oval: The large sportsground is off-leash on weekdays from 4pm to 9am. It is strictly on-leash at all other times, including all day on weekends.
- Unfenced Grassy Field: The spacious, open area is perfect for running but is only suitable for dogs with excellent recall.
- Water Bubbler Available: There is a water bubbler in the park, but it doesn’t have a dog bowl, so bringing your own is a good idea.
- Bring Your Own Bags: You must bring your own poo bags to help keep the park clean.
For the Humans
- On-Site Car Park: A dedicated car park provides convenient access, with the best entry point located off Sydney Street.
- Park Amenities: The wider park is well-serviced with public toilets and seating.
- No Night Lighting: The oval is not floodlit for public off-leash use, making it a daytime and late afternoon destination.
Insider Tip: The park connects directly to the beautiful, on-leash Ferndale Park walking track. This is a perfect way to extend your outing with a scenic bushwalk before or after your dog enjoys some off-leash playtime on the oval.
The Final Verdict
Bales Park is a fantastic spot for a weekday run, offering a huge amount of space for energetic dogs. However, its extremely strict “weekdays only” rule and unfenced nature make it a specialist park. It’s a lifesaver for local commuters needing an after-work run spot, but the lack of weekend access means it can’t be a go-to for everyone. For a planned-out run with a well-trained dog, combined with a beautiful on-leash walk, it’s a wonderful local asset.
For more official information, visit the Willoughby City Council website.
Bales Park: FAQ
Q: Can my dog be off-leash at Bales Park on the weekend?
A: No. Off-leash access is strictly prohibited at all times on weekends and public holidays. It is only permitted on weekdays from 4pm to 9am.
Q: Is Bales Park a fenced dog park?
A: No, the off-leash area is a large, completely unfenced sports oval. It is only suitable for dogs with reliable recall.
